I have an earlier Duster, bought it new in February 2016. I've done 55,000 km so far and....so far...the only fault has been 1 headlight bulb that failed a couple of months ago. I bought one for €4.00 (!) and changed it myself in just under 2 minutes; a long time since I've been able to do that in a car! Over the years Ive had FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, VW, Volvo, Audi, Citroen, Renault, Ford...even an old Triumph and Rover. This budget Dacia has been THE most reliable, far better than it should be given the price. Yes the interior plastics are hard but, so far over pretty poor road surfaces for a couple of years, noyhing squeaks or rattles, nothings broken off. The sat nav works reliably, the cruise control id dependable and the fuel economy is excellent, very surprising. Passengers comment on the comfort too, its a soft ride that soaks up thebumps. Just one gripe: the button for the rear windows is where a passenger naturally rests their elbow, needs to be moved forward in the door/armrest just a couple of centimetres. But I can honest say, other than that it's a nice car to drive and own, especially given the price. People who travel in it genuinely like it, even when they might initially have preconceived opinions. So from me, it's 'well done' Renault/Dacia. The right car for the money and much better than it has any right to be. Oh...and I'm considerably taller than the reviewer in this video; I have never banged my leg getting into the car. But then I didn't climb aboard expecting to?

I honestly think this was not an objective review. Dusters are best known for their 4x4 capabilities. That is good value for money contrary to what you say here. When you present a car you have to mention as well what are its strong points. Maybe there will be another review on it. However the version chosen for this review is a 4x2. Sound insulation is good contrary of what it’s been said here. That was simply randomly mentioned. The access inside for a 188 cm tall guy like me, for my driving position is seamless. The information on the spare tire is not accurate. The 4x4 version has the spare tire inside the trunk. That proves this review was completely superficial. Sorry, but it’s true.

You don’t say much these days about the basics like ride, handling, steering, brakes, gear change. How does it compare with rivals? What safety equipment does it have etc?. Didn’t learn much from this review except you don’t like French designers maybe...

What a misleading biased review! Duster is a great all-around car, better than most others with double price. If you are ashamed because of neighbours seeing you in Dacia, then go buy anything else. Good luck and spare us of bullshit reviews.

I have a Duster and am 6ft 3" and have no problems also had much more expensive SUV's in the past and can honestly say this review is mean spirited from Marek, the Duster is great on the motorway too and more than adequate for legal speed limits as well as returning an average of 53 mpg. The interior is budget yes but also very functional and I find it very comfortable and nice to drive on both short and long drives.

Marek, I really like your videos but this time you only test cupholders and glovebox... nothing serious about the car.

Nothing useful for the car... apart from Marek getting upset that some former eastern countries can still make cars that sell like hot bread and are evolving, while others have still Polonez in the pantheon of automotive history. Childish review.

"In 1st gear the car likes to stall" I think that's more of a *you* problem

Wow ...eye opening review,i will look for cars where i can strech my legs through the windshield while driving and with dozens of cup holders,or maybe i will just wait for the day when i can buy a new Mercedes S class with 15000 euro

Didn't watched all video as I saw that is waisting time. Untrue informations, obviously you hate Dacia brand. I bought Duster 4x4 in Prestige equipment with all adittions. First - IT IS NOT LOUD inside at all. Second, I'm 192cm tall and I can sit "behind me" on rear seat without touching front seat with my knees. Third - seats in Prestige are VERY comfortable, actually more comfortable than in much expensive cars, so I enjoy driving all day. I don't want to talk about off road capabilities, just to say that I drove where double expensive SUVs can't imagine to go. New Duster is great car, fun to drive in all conditions and roads! Try to buy brand new car for about 19k euro, that will give you all equipment and fun like new Duster. You will need at least as twice as much! It is OK to love less some car brends, but talking something that you are not competent is really degutantly.

For this price it is very good car.

Come on Merak - this was a poor review, comes across very shallow. I know you can do better!

I just figured I would chime in since I'm a relatively satisfied owner of a 2011 petrol Duster Laureate 4x4. Most of the things Marek points out are the same or very like my own pet peeves. Ordered my car in January, got it in June. Got rid of alloy wheels and tinted windows, forfeited radio since I don't listen to radio almost at all and there was literally nowhere to put my wallet and cell phone. The ceiling light is above the gear shift so finding anything from the back seat in the dark just doesn't happen without a flash light. The doors join the framework in a way that even when you brush away all the snow that you can still some falls on the seat when you open the door. The cup holders are positioned so that when you put a 0.5 liter PET bottle of water in them it blocks climate control levers and anything you might want to insert into the lighter socket. The holder at the back end of the hand brake is too shallow for a bottle. The tyre noise is pretty bad and the engine is definitely feeble when the car is full. The wind screen is so soft that it gets scratches from the plastic scrape I use in the winter to clear it, so I'm considering replacing it possibly together with headlights. Many of these issues were fixed already in the first generation. Then again, I'm really happy about my sitting position and only very long-legged people have had any problems sitting behind me in my driver seat. I have made a few 1000 km trips with 4 people in the car and everybody has been comfortable enough. Over the last 7 years this car has required almost no maintenance. The only thing that has needed repairs was my dashboard computer that started insisting I had lost 4 wheel drive. The fix at the dealers took about 30 minutes and was free. Other than that I've just added petrol, wind screen washer fluid and replaced wiper blades. And I've had the salon air filter replaced about 3 times each time while having my tyres changed. And the best thing for me is that I have never been stuck in snow with this car. To each his own. I'm meanwhile pretty sure that unless I move to a tropical beach really far away with entirely different brands my next car will be a Duster as well. The issues I'd like to see solved are not worth the price difference with other brands and little by little the car does keep improving over the years.

You can't stretch your leg in driving position... In how many cars you can do that? Cupholders and armrest glove boxes is that a serious review? It is a very good value for money car and every other review on the Internet says so... Except you of course

Pride and prejudice. It appears that adequate command of the english language does not release one of his pride and prejudice. Must be hard watching the Romanians and the Czechs make cars while your east european nation does not. Usually your reviews are good and offer information about the car. Clearly not one of your best.

What cars does Poland makes? Ohh, none? Stop being biased. Of course is a budget car, but you are being very mean. The car is better than a lot of other brands car.

Something is strange about your review.. I did a testdrive with a Duster 2018 and there was plenty of space in the back (i'm 1.82). Then i checked some other reviews of the Duster and everybody fits .. The guy from Carwow is 1.80 and there's plenty of space for his knees. How come, you being 1.73ish can't fit? ;)

I got to ride a new one this week. Wow i am impressed. Pretty silent, enough power, 4WD works good (i have no reference here, first time 4WD for me). Just liked it and had the feeling everything was allrighty. Just a decent car really. This video did not do it justice enough but oh well.

Considering it’s a budget brand I wouldn’t have high expectations on ergonomics and other conveniences. Just buy the base model so it has nothing to go wrong and won’t depreciate as much over time.

Is a great car for the price This review is just to put down Dacia.

Who pays you for this review?

Biased reviewer, anything below Bentley’s level is subpar for him. I wonder what car he drives...

Such a childish presentation.

i am romanian and i like your reviews. this time, even if your message was true, you did not put it properly. you cant let your viewers feel that you cant stand a car. say its rubbish in a polite way, using your good sense of humour and diplomacy

Just bought the new Renault Duster 4x4 and to be honest you don’t know a thing of what you’re talking about......nothing beats it as you are getting such a flexible SUV at a fraction of the price....Romanian or French engineers all I can say is JOB WELL DONE!!!!!

Just ignore this video....

If you prefer a second hand car instead of this new Duster, buy a second hand Duster.

Marek mate, I like you and enjoy your style but to be honest dude this was a little harsh. I'll explain, I am fortunate enough to drive more expensive cars but I always liked the look of the Duster so I decided to borrow one, the new comfort model. I actually was very surprised by it. It was SLOW but I found it to be comfortable and well screwed together plus I love that rugged look. Many reviews here in the UK, TG. Car, Auto Express all rate the car based on Car Vs cost and here it wins. It's a 5 seat SUV car proven in 3rd world countries for the price of a VW UP! Like the Carwow review (we do not take Carwow seriously as it's a car buying platform) Matt focuses on real non issues rather than present the car for what it is, a large, comfortable, rugged family car for not a huge amount of money. (Actually he changed his tune as his review of the MK1 was very good). You are of course entitled to your views and i respect that but I have a feeling you have missed the point with this car and that's a shame. :-) For the others here being rude... If you really like the car and disagree, fine but be respectful and dignified. Peace.

I don't understand why people are complaining. As someone who daily drives a Dacia Sandero (not a Duster, and not my car), he's correct about the cupholders. I've never had an issue with first gear, though. Sound insulation could be better, but it doesn't matter to me because I can still hear people and because it's a cheap car. The driving position is fine, but the Sandero isn't an SUV like the Duster is. It's a budget vehicle, but it's a nice one at that. I'd buy one for myself instead of a used car, because no one knows how the previous driver took care of it. New > Used, if my wallet allows it.

What gets a 9/10 from the world's greatest car website is seen as a humourless load of crap by Marek. Marek, take a look at Top Gear's review to learn the ropes unless you follow the popular wisdom: “any publicity is good publicity”.

Actually today i bought New Dacia Duster Essential. Dealers had it in stock so i went and bought it lol Also disagree with reviewer, im 1.82 and there's plenty of space in front and at the back. The drive is smooth and light, car feels rugged. Ok someone whos been driving fancy cars all their life perhaps Dacia its not the car to buy to, but personally for me this is huge upgrade from Seat Ibiza 2007 model. I guess instead judging the car, people should go test it, drive it, sit in the car and make decision based on personal experience.

Jezu, Marek....you really put the boot into Dacia. I am considering buying one, but I won't be put off by your comments. You really wanted to hate it and boy, you really did. Normally your reviews are ok. But you seem to be different from other testers. Most testers really like the Duster and say it is much quieter, handles ok, but not brilliantly, has a lot of space and the steering is much better. You totally slagged this car off. Why? What have you got against it? I must say though that I don't like the anti-Polish comments here. I am an Englishman who lives in Poland and Poles are famed for their straight talking and not caring what others think. So Marek, you are definitely a true Pole:) but sometimes, you really go off at the deep end. I will test drive a Duster and if it's shitty then so be it. But for the price, nothing comes remotely close. In Poland, the Duster is almost criminally cheap.

Thank for review

Iam 1.80m high and i did a test drive with the Duster..it was perfectlly comfortablein the back , easy to enter and exit from the drivers place and the back. Easy to park, without useing the parking camera or the sensors and this is amazing and rare today in cars. It have a lateral and frontal body roll, but also perfors better then other crossovers/suv on poor roads and gravel... and is very nibble for the size and weight.

I agree, but it's called Lohn. That means Polish engineers have no merit. They're just executives. Duster is a Romanian conept. In the same geographic area, the ARO has been built since the 1960s. Which is also exported in Poland. Something like that was doing Romania in the 30's in Bucharest with Ford. Tradition that continues today. Wikipedia.

People who use duster are mad on facts about dacia? Everyone who ever enter in dacia car know what cheep means. You can't talk about duster like it is premium brand, we all know that. People buy 4x4 and then never go off road. That car is made by recycled plastic. Also dudes here talk about spare tire, i mean who cares about spear tier? Trunk size is okey but there is little room in the back for adult people. Isolation is poor in every dacia car, because premium brands install extra sound proofing stuff. This is a low budget car, why are you so mad about true facts? This is far from perfect car for 15 000 euro. This things like seats, arm rest, cup holders, that all comes handy in the real life, and if that stuff is bad, your quality of driving is going down.

Nice car!

This video looks like it has been recorded to reduce sales of this car. Couldnt you find 1 or 2 good things about the car? At least your video would have sounded more believable...

In Lithuania Duster is very popular between security companies. Some of them install aftermarket LPG on petrol models. Also one person who live in country side noticed that Duster is perfect for unpaved countryside roads. Even FWD version is enough for these roads. Also he noticed that he would go for basic trim level because it still has some 90's car charm .

Ok it's a cheap car. You want a cheap car you get a cheap car.but....for this cheap car you have a waiting list of over 6 months in France if not more and this says everything...you want a Renault a Peugeot a Hyundai...you will get it in couple of weeks but not the Duster...that is saying a lot..I think people want more and more this kind of cars..a car that will just run and get the job done...of course it's not a Audi q3 but it will get you in the same place eventually with no problems.

If you make a statistic, let’s say “how many cigars a man smokes in one day” and you gather your information, there may be someone who says that he smokes 3000 cigars a day, just to make fun of you. Clearly you don’t use that data in your statistic for obvious reasons. This review is my 3000th cigar for this day.

I am thinking of buying this new as my next car. That would be my first new car. My girlfriend has a Dacia Lodgy, and we are quite happy with it. Drove from sweden to croatia last summer. No problems. I like the simplicity and the price of course. Hope it lasts for a couple of years.

One of the most important lessons to take from this video is that Romanians don't like criticism of Romanian built cars that use French technology. Perhaps everyone would be better directing their anger at Dacia so that they up their game a bit. It wouldn't take much to greatly improve the Duster and make it a really nice car for the money. Personally I think it suits a whole lot of people as it is. Certainly its sales in my area of the UK would seem to show that its very popular as a second car, mostly. A local runabout, not a long distance luxury cruiser [rather obviously].

Good news!

I agree totally to the "can't stretch my legs thing" ; not only that, but when my right foot is correctly positioned on the pedals, my left leg is too angled for proper rest and my left foot rests in an awkward position...And Oh, my car is a Volvo, BTW...And I've never ever been in a car with a "correct" position for the legs and feet...Seems that all those engineers around the world have given themselves the knack for not designing a driving position properly, but, y'know, perhaps was it in the perspective that someday some ignorant "journalist" hater would be at loss for critics on a given model? Who knows?

This is not full option

you've managed to piss off the Romanian internet man :)

just ordered mine pick it up in 2 wks

From my experience owning a duster is great but i see that testing one is not

Un dobitoc!

Why reupload...just wondering

As of November 2018, the Duster has a new media -nav with support for Android car

Can we get dislikes > likes on this one?

I think you are a little too harsh my friend, it's a cheap car that still has a decent amount of practicality, and why could you use this Inna road trip? I've used a Dacia duster on a road trip and it was pretty good, in the uk

looking for to your long Peugeot Rifter review asap.

I suspect what your answer will most probably be, but still... How do you compare the new Duster to the Suzuki Vitara?

Sad but he’s right. Buyin an SUVish car and say ” its good for the prycie under 19-20.000 euros” u need to rethink for your own good , i mean everyone does not have a chance buyin 25-40.000 suv, but save your money and go for an 2-3 yrs old ford,kia,toyota or what so ever. You will get more out of it, we had three of these at my job , we were lucky gettin rid of them after a crash with one of these outside Lyon . Interior and that its ok, but the overall clumsy stiff feeling snd safety is below the avarage , its ok for an car if u need a bit bigger car then your last one, but as an family Suv and that , no no no .

I think this is the worst review of the duster i've seen for a long time... If the cupholders are your biggest problem, well... Btw - i found the sitting position in this car pretty good ;) (1,72m).

And next time, start with your real opinion, not a boring description: Marek Drives 5 days ago LOL I never assumed this was a car for enthusiasts. When I saw the new Duster photos, I though it would finally be the low-cost car to get. And then I looked inside, and the magic was gone. Fine! I think it's a piece of crap, but I tried to point out some positives as well :)

Brainless review you have to put it in context of cost

România !!!!🇹🇩

Good review. I own the Sandero and love it but im not impressed by the duster. The Sandero is comfortable but the duster doesnt look so good. I am just guessing as i havent driven one. If there are any Duster owners watching is it ok for longer journeys?

its not a bad car at all. the engine is Renault-Nissan. which are very reliable

Marek please let me know where is that awesome beach you drove in this review! I checked some comments- not all positive , but I think the video is informative and of course subjective. People must understand that the car is within a certain price range, and there is no other way to say it then calling it what it is - cheap. If information is what people are looking for, then this is a great video with a certain perspective.

Its a cheap and cheerful car. As it happens it is quite popular where I am, in West Wales. Personally I'd buy an used 1.5 diesel Nissan Qashqai, which has the same engine but which is far more refined and certainly isn't breathless at 80mph or more. I know this because I own a Qashqai and only last night I got down and dirty with it, wiring a front and rear 'dash cam' to it. My employee also has a Qashqai with this engine [Renault K9K Euro5], but his is broken at the moment, needing a recon turbocharger due to failed bearings. He is rather disappointed, because although he buys all his cars used, this is the first time he's had major problems running them up to around 80,000 miles. This one is four years old and only done 20,000 miles so far and a year with him.

anything you say here wont help your nation to manufacture any car, so you polish guys, go to school and make your own cars and then I may take your reviews for granted. If needed we can provide you some training.

This is very good, capable, soft and comfortable, tough thru, but not a luxury car.

Marek a mozesz zrobic test hyundaia i40?? W 1.7 crdi??

This has got to be one the most bullshit reviews I have ever seen. The bias is strong.

Marek, can you please do a review of Skoda Karoq?

A very biased and prejudiced review with no effort on your part! It's a shame because you definitely showed your disdain for a quality SUV. Disappointing, to say the least.

I have this car and driving almost 3000 miles per month I really feel the discomfort , can never find a good driving position. My company wants to buy me a 4wd duster because they are good off-road and cheap but do you have better advice? Like a very good second hand for someone that drives a lot in the motorway but also needs a good off road? Need help,I'm so ignorant about cars 😂, what about S-CROSS ? I hope you see this and reply to me 😂

I am awaiting great pleasure in a car made in Poland. Especially a small jeep . Sorry I forgot, Poland produces a car, Warszawa ,,, where are you warszawa?

This was a totally inaccurate review... I've got the 2nd gen Duster and it's a great car... This guy hated everything!

That charging slot in the cargo room is plain stupid. I don't know what engineers were thinking?

Not "in Eastern Europe", please. Otherwise, a fair review. The car is what it is, cheap.

So is it better to buy a used 4year old golf or captur instead of a new Duster?

At 3:20 that's a big deal breaker, you have to be a midget to drive comfortably for long periods in a short seat with zero thigh support.

Super video.

Everything you said makes no sense. such a bad review full of spiting over such a great all around car. You should reconsider your views and be more objective!!!

it a 2018 car and some one well complain that the car does not support keyless start button thing

This guy really does not like Dacia.

please next Volkswagen T - Roc

He doesn't know how to change gear properly. Just roughly shoves the gear lever with no finesse . There should be a short pause as the gear lever goes through neutral to allow the synchromesh to work properly. Piss poor driver.

Unprofessional biased review.

Marek, what you doing driving a Duster with the steering wheel on the left side? I assume you driving that car in Europe and not in UK and if that is true then you need to try a Duster 2018 made for export or for UK. I bet those ones are more comfortable. I got a Sandero Stepway (UK model) and is far more comfortable than for Romania model for example. So if you want to do a review for British people jump then in a car design for them.

I don't like your comment.. to partial.. since the beginning when you enter the car we know that you will not be honest

The most important thing to buy a car is the design. It must look good for me.

Proud AF!!🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴If the fuckin corrupt leaders from the 90's didn't exist ARo was also a car company today

Why are they all manual

I thought lada niva is the cheapest suv...

My Peugeot 405s had the spare wheel under the boot I had to get a lock to stop them being stolen.

Marek, i love the fact that you said everything as it is. I really don't get why this video is getting so much hate. I've driven this car and its a noisy, plastic, slow and uncomfortable piece of crap. It's also probably the only new car to get 3 stars in the euro n-cap tests. People who are interested in it should work harder and buy a hyundai or kia.

Shame they couldn’t fit the front number plate straight.

The car is cheap it's obviously gonna have some problems. why tf are people mad that he pointed them out? The comments seem very childish for people that are driving a car (you sound like a mob with torches and pitchforks) A review is rating a car on it's quality and not its price. The second one is left to the customer.

Lol this guy hates it

I'm it's a 3rd generation

Kind of ...review to help british car factories! Shame!

Why no AWD Auto :( Guess we'll have to wait another year

This is hilarious i wonder what the reviewer has against Dacia, Romania or France